The Palaeoartists Handbook: Recreating prehistoric animals in art

(Paperback)

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Extinct worlds live again in palaeoart: artworks of fossil animals, plants and environments carefully reconstructed from palaeontological and geological data. Such artworks are widespread in popular culture, appearing in documentaries, museums, books and magazines, and inspiring depictions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals in cinema. This book outlines how fossil animals and environments can be reconstructed from their fossils, explaining how palaeoartists overcome gaps in fossil data and predict 'soft-tissue' anatomies no longer present around fossil bones. It goes on to show how science and art can meet to produce compelling, interesting takes on ancient worlds, and explores the goals and limitations of this popular but rarely discussed art genre. AUTHOR: Mark P. Witton is a palaeontological artist, author and researcher based at the University of Portsmouth. His palaeoartworks have featured in numerous research papers, news reports, books, television shows, museums and art galleries, and he has consulted on the appearance of fossil animals for many television shows and films. His clients include Natural History Museum, BBC, National Geographic and research institutes worldwide. 195 colour images

Reviews

This is a joyous combination of scientific fact and artistic interpretation that has much to offer readers - especially those who are considering work, amateur or professional, as palaeoartists. This is a 'coffee table book' that will entertain you and draw you back time and again. Enjoy! -- Lesley Rafferty * Open University Geological Society *

Author Bio

Mark Witton is a palaeontological artist, author and researcher based at the University of Portsmouth. His palaeoartworks have featured in numerous research papers, news reports, books, television shows, museums and art galleries, and he has consulted on the appearance of fossil animals for numerous television shows and films. His clients include the Natural History Museum, the BBC, National Geographic and research institutes around the world.